A Site for Indie Book Reviews

February 23, 2012

Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen.” ~ Robert Bresson
 
I have never had a good system for keeping track of the books I want to read. Believe me, working in the independent publishing industry I always have a grand and growing list of books to read, films to watch and music to listen to. I make mental notes, filing my “want to read /watch/listen list” among all the other things stored in my brain. Often prone to forgetting the titles, I am reminded when I see a book review or receive a recommendation from someone else. 

A few weeks ago, I made progress in establishing a good system of making of list of books I want to read. After picking up a copy of Book Page at our local library, I carefully went through it circling the all books that interest me. My Kindle came in handy when I downloaded sample copies of each of the books that are available in e-book format. 

After reading the e-book samples, I make a decision whether to scrap the book on my list, download the full e-book or check whether the book in-print is available through our interlibrary loan. 

Although this system is better than none at all, most of the books in Book Page are traditionally published books. Until now the gateway into public libraries has, in large part, been open to only traditional publishers.

How do you find what books are available in the independent publishing world?After doing a little research, I have found a new on-line site, called Review Direct: Exciting New Titles from America’s Emerging Authors. It is a way for the independents, to become visible to libraries and independent bookstores. For more information, please visit this site http://bit.ly/1DpnK4

If you are an independent publisher, consider having your book listed in Review Direct. It is an economical and efficient way of getting information about your book to libraries digitally. 

Come on back tomorrow!  This site is dedicated to providing fulfilling resources and help for independent publishers. 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Are ARC’s becoming Archaic?

February 20, 2012

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly. ” ~  Richard Bach 

At our weekly meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Steamboat Springs,Colorado http://bit.ly/w1qdgz a staff member from the local Indie Bound Bookstore came to update us on a program that our organization supports. 

Thousands and thousands of Advance Reader Copies and galley copies are sent to bookstores and libraries all over the country each and every year. ARCs are uncorrected proofs that can not be resold in retail in environments or placed on shelves in libraries. They serve as advance promotion and advertising for publications soon to be released. 

The Kiwanis Club of Steamboat assists with funding shipping costs to send Advance Reader Copies of books to families of military troops. www.operationpaperback.org   For those who do not have access to a variety of books ARCs are a perfect way of fulfilling a need for literature for children and adults in far off places of the world. 

As we discussed this wonderful program, that saves hundreds of thousands of books from ending up in landfills each and every year, I began to think how a complete systemic change in the way ARCS are delivered would save a lot of postage and delivery charges for publishers and as well as time and money for those disposing of the ARCS once they have been read and reviewed. 

Making wise choices and changes from printing to marketing is all a part of sustainable publishing. Do you think sample chapters of books on-line is enough to make an informed decision as to whether a book is worth purchasing or not?  We would like to hear from you.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


The Art of Intuitive Listening

February 13, 2012

Horses leave hoof prints on your heart” ~ H.A. Levin 

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is an interesting town; a mix of ski resort and ranching communities all wrapped up in beautiful scenery and people who have chosen a way of life that may not be for everyone. Once I began poking around this place, I found out it is an amazing microcosm of people with diverse talents and interests. A very friendly community, too! 

I met H.A. Levin (Hal) a writer and independent publisher back in June, when I formed a meet-up group, called She Writes Steamboat. It is a networking group of independent publishers who gather monthly. The mission of the group is to foster independent publishing success. Part way through our first meeting, I noticed a sole male presence quietly sitting in the back. 

After we wrapped up our meeting, Hal  (H.A. Levin) came over to talk . I don’t recall exactly how our conversation went but he said something like “I hope you don’t mind that a male writer came today, I saw the notice in the Steamboat Pilot that this group was going to meet.” 

I told Hal that I was delighted to have him, and that the name of the group that I had chosen had nothing to do with excluding the male population of writers. I am a member of an on-line group called www.SheWrites.com .  I wanted to our group to have affiliation with a national group.  We have since slightly revised the name of our meet up group to SHe Writes Steamboat, to encourage male independent publishers to attend, and it has worked! 

Since meeting Hal, I have learned that he has some very interesting talents and his writing emerges from his gifts of intuitive thought and communication with animals. In fact, in his book A History of Horses Told by Horses, there is some fascinating conjecture about women, their place in the world at large and the relationships that they have with horses. 

Amelia Kincaide, www.ameliakincaide.com author of the books The Language of Miracles and Straight from the Horses Mouth has this to say this about Hal’s book “Bless you and thank you for devoting your life to speaking for those who ache to be heard.” 

On Wednesday on All Things Fulfilling we will be featuring H.A. Levin’s book. Don’t miss out tomorrow either, I would love to share  a few minutes of  February 14th with you.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Teaser, Pleaser

February 7, 2012

Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it. “ ~Buddha 

Have you noticed that the way we select reading material has changed with the arrival of e-books? Now we have more to go by than just reading reviews on the back cover and the flaps of the book. Many authors are offering sample chapters or abbreviated versions of their books on-line to get us hooked. It works! 

Last night I searched Google i-books and downloaded a sample of a non-fiction publication by Susan Cain. The title of the e-book is Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking. A monkey is now on my back! 

Being a life time consumer of self-help books, the sample left me wondering whether I am truly an introvert. Just prior to the end of the sample book, is a brief test that is designed to determine if you are a true introvert. It is similar to a Myers-Briggs personality test. My score indicates that perhaps I am an ambivert. In other words, I have tendencies toward being both introverted and extroverted. 

 I must read on to begin fulfilling my need to examine the degree of introversion that I possess and how to best use my traits for success.

Good job, Susan Cain. Your book sample grabbed me enough to want to finish the book. Now, I must just find the time to purchase it and carry on. 

For more information on this fascinating read that analyzes the psyche and how an introverted personality can be used to your advantage in life and business, please follow this link. http://bit.ly/ywojam.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


20 Fabulous Bookstores in the World

February 2, 2012

Today on All Things Fulfilling, we are going to veer from the norm. Instead of communicating through words, I offer up some views of twenty outstanding  bookstores in the world. 

On this blog site we do a lot of chattering about selling books through e-commerce. It is the most effective way for independent publishers to sell their books. But, I, for one, hope bookstores never disappear. 

The experience of entering into the doors of these featured bookstores can not even be described. You have to see for yourself. Take a tour because most of these brick and mortar bookstores are in far off reaches of the world. It may be the only chance you will get see what is inside! Here is a preview picture to draw you in. This bookstore is the Livravia Lello in Porto, Portugal.

If I have whetted your curiosity for more, enter through the doors of more bookstores through this link!

http://bit.ly/y6ChhU 

Happy Travels everyone, while you are there, pick up a book for me!

It is just another day of independent thoughts, words and views from www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

 


Winking in the Dark Does Not Work

February 1, 2012

Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does.”

~ Stewart Henderson Britt   b. June 17, 1907 

I found in this quote in H.A. Levin’s book Quotations for Successful Living. Even 100 years after the quote was written it has relevance today. What an appropriate quotation for independent publishers to take notice of.

“How can anyone NOT know what you are doing in this day and age of digital technology?” I ponder. With the power of the internet, it is hard not to be seen. 

Knowing how to use digital technology and the world-wide-web to sell any kind of product or service can be a very powerful thing. It takes a little education and training for businesses to learn how to promote themselves and become visible on world-wide-web.

If you are an independent publisher selling your books, music or films over the internet through e-commerce, e-marketing is a must. They go hand in hand. A mistake that too many independent publishers make is forgetting to think of themselves as business owners. Being successful in a business means promotion and advertising. Publishing is not just about the manuscript.  It means bookselling, too. There is an article that is a good resource about this very issue.http://bit.ly/aPEx0B.

E-Marketing (social media marketing) has added a whole new dimension to advertising and promotion. It can be overwhelming and confusing at the start. Help is available, search for a company that specializes in e-commerce and e-marketing for independent publishers. They will help you come out of the dark and into the light. 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


What are Indie Publishers All About?

January 30, 2012

Remember those words sung by Dionne Warwick from many years ago – 

What’s it all about, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
What’s it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?”
 

Over the past ten or twelve years, these same types of questions have been asked by readers and writers everywhere. They want to know – What is the independent publishing industry really all about? 

On Thursday evening, February 2nd at 7pm, I will be giving a presentation at the Hayden Library in Hayden, Colorado on the evolution (or revolution, as some may see it) of independent publishing and the arrival of e-books to the publishing scene. 

Join me and feel free to ask “What is it all about, Suzie?” I have spent many years sorting out this constantly changing, exciting and growing industry of independent publishing, as best as I possibly can! And, no! It is not just for the moment we live – books live on and on, and many “independent minded people” publish as a way of leaving a legacy to their families, friends and for many more reasons, too. 

Again – we will be discussing fulfilling dreams of publishing on February 2nd at 7pm in Routt County, Colorado at the Hayden Library. You will see “the possibilities are endless… one merely needs to step forward.” 

SHe Writes Steamboat http://on.fb.me/oOWKWm because of their affiliate membership with the Colorado Independent Publishers Association http://bit.ly/w2f0gu has all the educational resources and vendors available to help authors  along the way to becoming a successful independent publisher. 

Come along. Jump on the Fast Track of Independent Publishing. It’s a New Year, and a great time in publishing! Join in.


Thumbs Up to an e-Book Author

January 27, 2012

“We never know how far reaching something we may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.”  – B.J. Palmer 

Today, we are featuring first time author Darcie Chan. She will be the first of many to come authors who have found success as an independent publisher of an electronic book. Darcie Chan is an environmental lawyer who has entered into the contemporary publishing market with her novel The Mill River Recluse. 

 The story, set in Vermont, is about a wealthy occupant in mysterious marble house. The main character suffers from a social disorder, limiting her to communicate through her bedroom window with a few key characters in her town. Chan weaves a story of love and friendship that has landed this fictitious novel on the New York Times best seller e-book list.  Indie Reader touts the book  “as real page turner.” Excellent reviews have come from Kirkus and it also holds a place on the USA Today’s list of best selling books, too. 

More of 430,000 copies of Darcie Chan’s novel have been sold. It is downloadable from the leading on-line booksellers at a very affordable price of 99 cents. She has already made more than she in all likelihood would have been paid as an advance from a traditional publisher. 

Darcie Chan is just one example of an author who has decided to go the digital publishing route, and has found success as an unknown writer. She has been approached by film studios who want to produce an book to film adaptation of her story, too.  For more information on The Mill River Recluse, please visit www.darciechan.com

We will continue to feature other inspiring stories about e-book authors on All Things Fulfilling. Check back with this blog site.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Contemporary Publishing Doing Well

January 26, 2012

“In a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.” -Warren Buffett 

In this new generation of publishing, e-books are being discovered by readers all over the planet. For those who have never read an e-book there is a mix of curiosity and not knowing what to expect. Once engaged in a fulfilling e-book, the reader sees the familiar and realizes a ‘good read is a good read” whether it comes by way of digital format, in-print on paper or through audio sound. 

Our life’s journey sometimes takes us into the unknown.  We all have pivotal moments in our lives when we are confronted with dealing with new things. Like facing a blank canvas, getting started is the hardest part. For some, uneasiness comes with striking up a relationship with some newfangled electronic device. Whether we embrace a fresh opportunity, or not, is something that only each of us can decide for ourselves. 

For those who have taken a step in buying e-books, many have found there are wonders that come with taking a risk to explore: 

  • Electronic reading devices allow fonts to be enlarged and clearly displayed.
  • E-book selections are large and diverse.
  • You can order a very affordable book and download it in less than 60 seconds.
  • Electronic reading devices come in pocket size and are lightweight – some less than 6 ounces. 

Still skeptical? Kindle is now available for computers at no cost and there are plenty of free e-books to download. There is no risk in that. 

In 2012, www.AllThingsFulfilling.com will be highlighting authors who have given contemporary independent publishing a chance. We will be featuring writers who have invested themselves in e-book publishing and are doing quite well. Join us tomorrow for the first, of many to come, feature of e-book authors and their electronic books.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Cheers! Here’s to a New Generation in Publishing!


Tweet Success for World Wide Literacy

January 13, 2012

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” ~— Frederick Douglass

I don’t know about you, but I can not imagine living in a world without books! There are underserved communities in our country and around the globe where there is a scarcity of books – hard as it is to believe. 

On April 23, 2012 there is an international event sponsored by UNESCO to promote publishing and reading. World Book Night will rely on the massive efforts of 50,000 book giver volunteers going into communities  in many countries bearing the gifts of those who have supported this event. 

This year, the event will be promoted not only through in-print publications but also through social media including Twitter and Facebook. Students in the New York University’s Masters of Science publishing program are coordinating these efforts in the U.S. http://bit.ly/daWAP.  

For more information and to register to be a participant as a 2012 World Book Night Giver, please visit this site  http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/

To help drive the marketing engine,  there are Facebook pages set up in various countries, just for the event. Please visit the following links: 

 We invite all visitors to this blog site, All Things Fulfilling, to “tweet” to raise awareness of this literacy project, scheduled for April 23. Each “tweet” will help drive this event to sweet success! Thank you, and please do your pArt!

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 75 other followers